Yellowhead (Mohoua ochrocephala)
Mohua

Size: 15cm, 18.5/14.5g (male/female)

Description: Somewhat similar to a rather robust canary. The male has bright yellow head and underparts while female and immature birds have slightly darker nape. Black bill , eyes and legs. Most often seen feeding in noisy flocks in the canopy, but often down as far as the forest floor. Calls are loud chattering noises, trills and slurs.

Habitat: The canopy of mature beech forest (esp. red beech) although roams into other native forest.

Status: Protected, threatened endemic. Approx. several thousand birds remain in and around Fiordland.

Breeding: October - February. Cup shaped nest built in holes of mature trees. 1-5 pink eggs.

Where to photograph: Catlins River Walk and the Double Barrel Track at the old Routeburn shelter.

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